June 2023

Featured Event

TASB SUMMER LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE

SAN

JUNE 14-17

FORT

JUNE 21-24

TASB Officers 2022-23

Debbie Gillespie, President, Frisco ISD

Armando Rodriguez, President-Elect, Canutillo ISD

Rolinda Schmidt, First Vice President, Kerrville ISD, Region 20A

Tony Hopkins, Second Vice President, Friendswood ISD, Region 4C

Mary Jane Hetrick, Secretary-Treasurer, Dripping Springs ISD, Region 13B

Ted Beard, Immediate Past President, Longview ISD

TASB Board of Directors 2022-23

Moises Alfaro, Mathis ISD, Region 2

Jesus Amaya, Los Fresnos CISD, Region 1A

Rose Avalos, Aldine ISD, Region 4H

Carlos Bentancourt, Slaton ISD, Region 17

Lynn Boswell, Austin ISD, Region 13A

Darlene Breaux, Alief ISD, Region 4B

Steve Brown, Ector County ISD, Region 18

Kevin A. Carbó, Mesquite ISD, Region 10D

Justin Chapa, Arlington ISD, Region 11C

Julie Cole, Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD, Region 11A

Thomas Darden, Cooper ISD, Region 8

Rebecca Fox, Katy ISD, Region 4E

Karen Freeman, Northside ISD, Region 20B

Sylvia Sánchez Garza, South Texas ISD, Region 1B

Linda Gooch, Sunnyvale ISD, Region 10B

Myrna Guidry, Houston ISD, Region 4D

Tricia Ikard, Maypearl ISD, Region 10A

Mark Lukert, Wichita Falls ISD, Region 9

Kathy Major, Liberty Hill ISD, Region 13C

Kristen Davison Malone, Fort Bend ISD, Region 4G

Raymond P. Meza, San Felipe Del Rio CISD, Region 15

Dan Micciche, Dallas ISD, Region 10C

Cynthia Najera, Socorro ISD, Region 19

Steven Newcom, Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD, Region 11D

Nicholas Phillips, Nederland ISD, Region 5

Quinton Phillips, Fort Worth ISD, Region 11B

Beth Prykryl, New Caney ISD, Region 6A

Tony Raymond, Sabine ISD, Region 7

Georgan Reitmeier, Klein ISD, Region 4A

Cindy Spanel, Highland Park ISD-Potter County, Region 16

Theresa Wagaman, Conroe ISD, Region 6B

Mildred Watkins, La Vega ISD, Region 12

Greg Welch, Clyde CISD, Region 14

Robert Westbrook, Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD, Region 20D

Terri Williams, North East ISD, Region 20E

On the cover: Comstock ISD seniors visit the White Shaman Preserve rock art site as part of a STEM course involving Shumla Archaeological Research and Education Center. Photo courtesy of Shumla Archaeological Research and Education Center.

For more information about these events or deadlines, visit the TASB website at tasb.org or call TASB at 512-467-0222 or 800-580-8272 toll-free.

2 Calendar

20 Legal News

22 Capitol Watch

24 HR Files

28 News & Events

5

7 Editor’s Note

38 A Final Note

Texas Lone Star • Volume 41, Number 5

Texas Association of School Boards

P.O. Box 400 • Austin, Texas • 78767-0400 512-467-0222 • 800-580-8272

Laura Tolley • Managing Editor

Shu-in Powell • Graphic Designer

Lalo Garcia • Photographer

360 Press Solutions • Printer

Contributors: Sylvia Wood, Joan Randall, Leslie Trahan, Mary Ann Lopez, Beth Griesmer, Theresa Gage-Dieringer, Stephanie Butler, Dax González, John Pyle, Carolyn Austin, Jennifer Barton, Nicolle Gee-Guzman, Jen Cox

Texas Lone Star (ISSN 0749-9310) is published 10 times a year by the Texas Association of School Boards. Copyright© 2023 by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB). All rights reserved. Reproduction, adaptation, distribution, and exhibition in whole or in part are prohibited under penalty of law without the written license or permission of TASB. Copies of Texas Lone Star are mailed to trustees of TASB member school boards and their superintendents as part of their membership. Subscriptions are available to nonmembers for $36 (1 year), $69 (2 years), and $99 (3 years). Single copies are $5.

Address changes should be sent to Michael Pennant, TASB, P.O. Box 400, Austin, Texas 78767-0400.

Articles in Texas Lone Star are expressions of the author or interviewee and do not represent the views or policies of TASB. Permission to reprint should be emailed to communications@tasb.org or addressed to the Managing Editor, P.O. Box 400, Austin, Texas 78767-0400.

Texas Lone Star does not guarantee publication of unsolicited manuscripts.

Postmaster: Send address changes to TASB, P.O. Box 400, Austin, Texas 78767-0400.

A Sentimental Time

Mixed emotions mark school year’s end

by Debbie Gillespie

Debbie Gillespie

Where does the time go? Time, please slow down. The days are long, but the years go by so fast. I am sure you’ve all said, or at least heard, one of these statements before. But seriously, isn’t it crazy how time really does seem to escape us so easily?

This year, I adopted the word “reflect.” Over the last few weeks, my social media stream has been full of photos and posts reflecting on kids growing up: Excitement and mixed feelings about kindergarteners moving up to elementary school next year, fifth graders going on to middle school, eighth graders getting ready for high school, seniors graduating. I remember having every one of those feelings with my own kids, and it’s hard not to be a little sentimental.

As we enjoy end-of-year celebrations and anticipate summer and the next school session, I am also reflecting on the last 12 years — as my board service to Frisco ISD officially comes to an end June 12. Our longtime tradition in Frisco ISD is to swear in new trustees at the June meeting, not in May, allowing outgoing trustees to participate in year-end activities, including graduations.

This year’s graduating seniors were in kindergarten when I was first elected. During my tenure, our district has expanded to 12 high schools, and I still know so many of our families who have seniors at each of those schools. I’m sure you understand when I say, they are all my children, and I am so very proud of every single one of them!

So, what comes next for school board trustees, old and new, after graduation?

My hope for all of you is that you get some much-needed rest. Every school

year is busy, but legislative years add more time commitment, anxiety, and definitely more exhaustion.

According to the book Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker, only two-thirds of adults actually get the recommended amount of sleep.

sleep habits, I will definitely focus on being still, reflecting on all the good times, and thinking about the hope that lies ahead. I plan to visit family and friends, maybe spend a few days at the beach.

I will also continue my service as your TASB President. I look forward to seeing you all at Summer Leadership Institute! SLI is such a great way to learn about new ideas and programs, and it is also a privilege to connect with fellow trustees and district staff who all have such a great heart for making education the best it can be for all students. For me, it has proven to be an effective reset for the year ahead.

I am not one of them. I have always struggled to go to bed at a decent hour, and honestly, I enjoy the peace of late nights. Reading, or maybe watching an episode of “Friends,” gives me time to just be still and be grateful for another day.

With that said, Walker goes on to explain how not getting enough sleep can have very negative consequences on our health. Research shows that a lack of sleep, or shortened amounts of sleep, is linked to weakened immune systems, many forms of heart disease, some forms of cancer, blood sugar levels, depression, anxiety, and the list goes on.

Although being a trustee gives us all so many joyful, rewarding moments and experiences, we also carry a lot of weighty responsibilities. It is vitally important that we take time to rest and take care of ourselves.

Easier said than done, right?

While I continue to work on better

SLI not only provides trustees with required training, it also offers so many valuable opportunities to learn about new ideas and programs. I have learned a great deal about parliamentary procedures, superintendent evaluations, and more from TASB staff, who facilitate many sessions that speak to the multitude of services that are offered to its members.

Although Frisco is a large district, I also benefit from sessions geared to programs or issues in smaller districts, as well. Our own districts will always be our priority; however, knowing what is happening around the state helps us all be better advocates for all public school children and those who teach them.

It is truly a privilege to connect with other trustees and district staff who all have such a great heart for making education the most important priority for all students.

Until I see you at SLI, get some rest; you all deserve it!H

Debbie Gillespie is the 2022-23 president of TASB.

Although being a trustee gives us all so many joyful, rewarding moments and experiences, we also carry a lot of weighty responsibilities.

DON’T MISS tx EDCON23 IN DALLAS

Texas Trustee Institute for new school board members

Board Officer Institute for board officers

Small School District Seminar

Superintendent of the Year (SOTY) and Outstanding School Board announced

General Session Speakers:

• Kenneth Williams

• Matthew McConaughey

• Meagan Johnson

Fulfill Your Special Required Trainings

• Evaluating and Improving Student Outcomes (EISO)

• Open Meetings Act (OMA)

• Child Abuse Prevention

• Update to the Texas Education Code

TASB Delegate Assembly is Saturday, Sept. 30. Have a voice! Register your representatives today.

delegate.tasb.org

Learning is Everywhere

Knowledge takes shape in a desert canyon

by Laura Tolley

Learning comes in many forms, even awkward, unnerving ones. A recent, and very memorable, learning journey began with me scooting down a steep rocky cliff on my you-know-what, hanging onto a rope with one hand. Eek! As worried as I was about climbing/sitting my way down with only minimal damage to my body and pride, I also couldn’t stop wondering how the heck I was going to get back out! At one point I thought, “This will probably go faster if I just fall.“

I landed in this awkward situation because I wanted to see and learn about something I had heard about for many years. After getting down safely to the canyon floor, it only took a few minutes for our group to walk, [thankfully] along mostly flat desert ground, to our destination. We walked silently to Halo Shelter — a mysterious, intricate narrative mural painted on limestone walls by huntergatherers some 2,000 years ago.

My husband and I joined about a dozen other curious minds on this inspiring trek, offered by the Shumla Archaeological Research and Education Center. Halo Shelter, one of the best-preserved pictograph panels in the region, is on a private ranch. There are more than 300 sites scattered across the unforgiving desert region near Del Rio and the TexasMexico border.

My anxiety about how I was going to get back up the cliff vanished as I gazed at the images of anthropomorphs, creatures, and other images. I wondered what stories, secrets, ideas they told.

Historic artworks in a remote region

Shumla works to document and preserve these rock art panels of the Lower

Pecos Canyonlands. But educational outreach is also a major part of its mission, and those efforts include the Shumla Scholars program, a STEM course offered to high school seniors at Comstock ISD, located less than a mile away from Shumla’s headquarters in the same small town. I returned to Comstock a couple of weeks later when students were at the Shumla lab to write about this unique initiative on page 8.

Of course, school board members and other leaders across Texas are dedicated to tapping into community resources, including businesses and industries, to expand educational opportunities for students. One of the things I enjoy most about working at TASB is the chance to learn about these different initiatives — whether they are in a classroom, at a local business, or a remote canyon. School districts are dedicated to identifying and implementing a wide range of courses, internships, and other programs to make sure their students get the best education possible.

Every corner of the Lone Star State has an interesting program to tout when it comes to our public schools. The Shumla program is a mighty effort for what typically is a small class, usually fewer than a dozen students. Imagine being a senior in a tiny town and having access to internationally recognized archaeologists who are trying to unlock the secrets of ancient artworks. The whole experience felt a little like an Indiana Jones scene.

Other districts’ efforts to innovate

In a feature on page 12, you can learn about another special initiative to help students. Three superintendents of small rural districts are working together

and combining resources to provide more academic and career opportunities to students. And in another story, the board president of Goose Creek CISD talks about how hard the board works to engage the community and develop buy-in on district efforts.

Those are a few examples of how school leaders are committed to ensuring that their students have access to opportunities that will enhance their learning journeys.

Vicky Roberts, a Comstock ISD trustee who worked as an archaeologist at Shumla for many years, said students have told her that the class was a memorable experience, and she knows of several students who decided to take related academic coursework in college after being Shumla scholars.

“It has had a lasting impact,” Roberts said.

That’s true for me. As I climbed out of the canyon that sunny spring day, I felt honored and awed by what I had seen and learned about these ancient people and their ways. I wondered what we may still find out about them as Shumla, and its high school scholars, continue their important work.

Learning never ends.H

Laura Tolley is managing editor of Texas Lone Star

Laura Tolley

Ancient murals focus of unique science class

by Laura Tolley

Juliette Majors, a Comstock ISD senior, had only heard about the ancient artworks scattered across the desolate rocky desert surrounding her community.

Comstock

That changed dramatically this school year when Majors and several fellow seniors got to work on an ongoing research effort to observe, document, and understand these archaeological treasures — the narrative murals of the Lower Pecos Canyonlands. Painted by indigenous people thousands of years ago, these rock art sites are considered North America’s oldest known “books.”

The unique STEM course is a collaboration between Comstock ISD, a one-campus district of about 200 students, and the internationally known Shumla Archaeological Research and Education Center, also located in this tiny Southwest Texas town in Val Verde County about 10 miles north of the Rio Grande.

Seven of Comstock ISD’s 15 seniors in the 2022-23 class took the elective science class known as Shumla Scholars. The yearlong course meets each school day, including twice weekly at the center’s headquarters, a former U.S. Border Patrol office. Students have the chance to work with high-tech

scientific instruments as well as learn lessons in chemistry, deductive reasoning, project management, and teamwork.

And then there are the field trips extraordinaire — difficult treks across the rocky, cactus-studded landscape to secluded sites for further study of the fading but fascinating artworks created between 1,600 and 4,500 years ago by hunter-gatherers who lived in this borderland region.

These trips offer students the chance to connect with and learn about the history and wonder that exists in this vast desert territory that at first glance seems barren, remote, insignificant.

“I had never been. It was kind of spiritual for me,” Majors said this spring while in class one day at the Shumla lab. “I felt different being there. It was very moving to see artworks from over 1,000 years ago.”

Fellow senior Federico Terrones said he didn’t fully understand what was essentially located in his own big backyard until he took the course and saw the rock art in the limestone canyons. “It was pretty cool to see them. I didn’t know that was here,” Terrones said.

Vicky Roberts, a Comstock ISD board member since 2020 and a former Shumla archaeologist, said the course gives students in this outpost district the chance to work with sophisticated research tools in a world-class research setting. The board enthusiastically supports the course, she added.

“This program is really cool for the kids,” Roberts said. “It gives them an important and unique perspective into the area they are living in. It gives them a greater appreciation of it. They get a hands-on opportunity to learn about what makes this area really special.”

Ancient inhabitants’ stories

The Lower Pecos Canyonlands

Archaeological District and 35 specific sites have been designated a National Historic Landmark. Overall, some 350 rock art sites have been identified in the region — so far. There also are thousands of archaeological sites in the area.

Ages ago, inhabitants in the region made paint and then began to use the limestone canyon walls to chronicle their stories, myths, and beliefs. These rock art sites — red, black, white, and yellow images of anthropomorphs, animals, and other images — are mostly located on private ranches in the vast canyonlands area between the Pecos and Devil’s rivers. Shumla works closely with the private landowners to gain access to the locations.

The sites are at risk from weathering, flooding, and vandalism. It’s a race against time for Shumla researchers to investigate and document these artifacts before they vanish. But Shumla also has been dedicated to education and community outreach since it was founded 25 years ago. “We want to offer experiential

learning and the opportunity for these kids to get outside, be creative, and learn,” said Jessica Lee Hamlin, Shumla’s executive director. “They gain confidence that they can do science.”

Shumla Scholars initiative

The course began in 2013 after then-Comstock science teacher Phil Dering suggested the partnership between the district and Shumla, founded by his wife, Carolyn Boyd. The center is named after an abandoned stop on the railroad west of Comstock, and that location is now its field campus.

“Shumla is a big deal around here,” said retiring Comstock ISD Superintendent O.K. “Buddy” Wolfenbarger III. “It’s [the course] a great opportunity for the kids. Little Comstock ISD, in the middle of nowhere, and here they are exposed

A Comstock ISD senior sketches a rock art figure.

Comstock ISD seniors and Shumla staff at a rock art site.

Photos courtesy of Shumla Archaeological Research and Education Center

to this. Shumla is recognized around the world.”

Wolfenbarger said the course provides students access to learning opportunities not traditionally available to high school seniors.

They include using advanced research technologies and scientific methods such as portable X-ray fluorescence, digital microscopy, GIS mapping, high-tech imaging, and 3-D modeling software.

The Shumla Scholars program has earned the honor of being named a District of Distinction by District Administration magazine, a national recognition for school districts that have developed exemplary programs and successful initiatives to support students.

An ancient world up close

While most of the coursework is completed in class or at the Shumla headquarters, this year’s class was able to do several treks to rock art sites. On one this spring, the students made the strenuous hike to the Witte Museum’s White Shaman Preserve, considered one of the most stunning sites in the world. “I enjoyed learning about the people who lived here. I liked that

aspect,” said senior Jaiden Sanchez.

The students got to conduct their own analyses of the art after Karen Steelman, Shumla’s science director, briefed them on archaeological methods. Each student selected one of the anthropomorphs to sketch and describe. What was the head shape? Orientation? Any adornments?

“To take someone for the first time to a rock art site, well, it’s really an honor,” Steelman said. “These are powerful places. This is art that is painted on the landscape.”

Steelman said she and other Shumla researchers enjoy bringing an ancient world to life for the students.

“They love it. They take this very seriously; it’s not just a way to get out of school,” said Steelman, though she added the field trips are a big incentive. “They know they are getting to go to places that not everyone gets to see. We want them to understand that where they live is somewhere special.”

Samples from Argentina

This past school year, the seniors’ classwork also involved the evaluation of small paint samples collect-

ed from a vandalized rock art site in Argentina’s Patagonia region. Desperate to salvage some information from the damaged site, researchers contacted Shumla for help with the samples. “We’ve been trying to right a wrong,” Steelman said, adding that she hopes the effort has also served to help teach the students the importance of preserving history.

The South American paint samples undergo the same process. Samples are thoroughly inspected, weighed, cleaned with a chemical wash, and dried so that the powdered substances can be processed through “Niteo,” a one-of-a-kind plasma oxidation system that actually was built by a previous

Photos courtesy of Shumla Archaeological Research and Education

Comstock ISD seniors hike to the White Shaman Preserve rock art site.

From left: Comstock ISD seniors Jaiden Sanchez, Federico Terrones, Angelica Medina, Juliette Majors, Yaritza Pena, Rudy Banny (Shumla), Isela Chavez, Karen Steelman (Shumla), Emily Christley (Comstock ISD).

Comstock class. The system is used to extract any organic material from the powder samples that can later undergo a radiocarbon dating analysis at another lab.

“The immediate goal is to date the rock art site in question, absolutely,” said Rudy Banny, an archaeological chemist and Shumla’s chief liaison for the class. But on a broader scale, he said, being able to assign dates to specific places or styles of painting can provide information about the “people who created these works, how different groups moved through the landscape, how their belief systems interacted and changed over time, how certain iconography might be shared or transferred across cultures.”

Students taking the course even get to recreate the paint used in the artworks. Indigenous people used animal fat from bone marrow, cactus roots, and minerals of different colors to paint the intricate figures and scenes. Students use lard, dishwashing soap, and powdered minerals to make the paint. [One year, however, a student brought in a deer leg from a hunt, and the class harvested bone marrow and used yucca roots to form the paint base!]

Leaving a lasting impression

Banny said the course is significant because it offers traditional schoolwork regarding history, theories, and practices as well as hands-on

learning in the lab and field. “Last semester we were able to focus entirely on the anthropological side of things, looking at human migration into the Americas and the Lower Pecos Canyonlands, ancient lifeways, belief systems, and how we as archaeologists know what we know,” Banny said. “This semester has been all about the science, looking at different aspects of chemistry leading up to what exactly is radiocarbon dating, why is our work at Shumla unique, and how does our archaeological chemistry laboratory actually process the samples we work with.”

Banny said the students have been engaged and insightful. “It always blows me away to hear how compassionate and perceptive they all are with these topics.

“Some might say that there aren’t a ton of opportunities to be had in a small town like Comstock, but I think this program is huge in how we’re empowering the students and, hopefully, inspiring them to seriously consider all the countless opportunities available to them as they prepare for college, work, or whatever they set their hearts on,” he said. ★

Laura Tolley is managing editor of Texas Lone Star

Rock Studies

The Shumla Archaeological Research and Education Center is on a mission to preserve the rock art panels of the Lower Pecos region. The center focuses on:

Documentation: Using advanced technology and methods, Shumla staff capture images and gather data at each rock art site to create a digital archive of the “library” of art painted across the region.

Research: Shumla staff members study the data collected to learn how the paintings were produced and decipher the images’ meanings. Data also is made available to researchers around the world.

Stewardship: Many murals are located on private property. Shumla collaborates with landowners to access and document the art respectfully. Shumla also partners will agencies in the region to protect and preserve the art.

Education: In addition to the Shumla Scholars program, the center educates visitors, volunteers, interns, and researchers from around the world about the unique region and its art.

Rudy Banny, an archaeological chemist at Shumla.

Comstock ISD seniors study rock art at the White Shaman Preserve.

Rudy Banny, an archaeological chemist, in the Shumla lab in Comstock.

Combined academies bring success to three rural districts

by Beth Griesmer Brooks County Freer Premont

The numbers told a powerful story as several Texas state senators listened intently to rural school leaders discuss how an innovative partnership is helping students in their small districts build workforce skills and excel academically.

The program in South Texas has increased the number of college-ready students by 23%, improved high school STAAR scores, and raised campus accountability ratings, Michael Gonzalez, executive director of the Rural Schools Innovation Zone (RSIZ), told the Senate Committee on Education this spring.

“We firmly believe our ZIP code should allow the same opportunities that larger districts have,” said Gonzalez. “Our data proves that our model works.”

Gonzalez, joined by superintendents from Premont and Brooks County ISDs, traveled to Austin this spring to testify about the program’s success and to voice support for a proposal in the 88th legislature that would create a pathway for similar efforts to rural districts across the state.

Part of the Texas Education Agency’s current restructuring of the A-F accountability ratings includes the need for school districts to align college, career, and military readiness (CCMR) indicators with post-secondary success. Programs like RSIZ are working to exceed those requirements and change the culture in these three small districts that are connected by a web of backroads in the wide-open landscape between the Texas coast and the Mexico border.

“We’ve outperformed the state in CCMR data, graduation rates, and dual credit completion," Gonzalez testified.

But the success Premont, Brooks County, and Freer ISDs have experienced in their formal partnership with the nonprofit RSIZ over the last four years has done more for their communities than just improve test scores.

“I commend you on the programs and the success you are offering on trades that are absolutely critical to Texas, that provide us with critical skilled workers out there who will graduate with little or no debt and get right to work and make good money,” Sen. Pete Flores (R-Pleasanton) told the school leaders. “You are not only providing something that is very important to the students’ success, but you're providing something that is extremely important for the success and quality of life in Texas.”

Gonzalez couldn’t agree more. “The message is that this is what collaboration truly looks like and the impact it has on kids and the future of rural South Texas. Rural Texas period. I think we can pick up this model and take it anywhere.”

Culture of opportunities

The three superintendents, Conrad Cantu from Freer ISD, Maria Rodriguez Casas from Brooks County ISD, and Mike Barrera from Premont ISD, share five academies among the three districts (see sidebar). They work together to provide customized schedules, transportation, and meals for the 174 RSIZ students in grades 9-12. The students can travel more than an hour one-way to reach various locations for RSIZ courses. This year, Wi-Fi was added to the buses to help make the commute more productive.

Premont ISD students announce the plays ESPN-style during a basketball game. The three districts’ students are sports rivals but co-mingle in the RSIZ classrooms.

Photo provided by the Rural Schools Innovation Zone

The academies partner with different colleges in the area, including Coastal Bend College, Del Mar College, Texas A&M University Kingsville, and Texas A&M University Corpus Christi. Each academy offers industry certificates, certifications, and dual credits for college and associate degrees. Casas said these partnerships have created a culture of college readiness in all three communities.

Premont ISD Superintendent Barrera came out of retirement to take the helm of the 700-student district in February. He began his career as a teacher in Premont and is excited to bring his extensive background in CTE programming to RSIZ. “I can tell you the opportunities in Premont have never been greater than what we have right now.”

RSIZ is a finalist in the U.S. Department of Education Rural Tech Project Challenge. “The RTP competition has been a two-year project that each one of our academies has undertaken,” said Gonzalez. “These students were tasked to undertake a rural community problem and develop a technology-based solution that would benefit our communities.” It is one of five finalists nationally, and the $100,000 winner will be announced in September.

Hard work yields results

The opportunities and impressive outcomes are the result of a lot of hard work.

"I will tell you this. It wasn’t easy starting it,” said Cantu. “We had some very intense conversations when it came down to funding. Sometimes we couldn’t even agree to disagree, but ultimately, we knew that we wanted to move forward because this is what is best for kids,” he said. “The other issue is we also had our individual boards. It was a rocky start, but it’s work that is very meaningful.”

Freer ISD, serving more than 700 students about 80 miles west of Corpus Christi, received a TEA grant to create a health sciences academy and invited Premont students to take courses and share some of the costs of the academy.

This got the ball rolling on the whole idea of the partnership and Gonzalez, who was the principal of Premont Collegiate High School at the time, embraced the plan wholeheartedly and agreed to become executive director. He puts hundreds of miles on his truck driving between the three districts every week to meet with the superintendents, staff, and students.

“Our communication lines had to be very strong and make sure any decisions we made didn’t negatively

RSIZ Executive Director Michael Gonzalez visits with students at the Next Generation Medical Academy in Freer ISD.

A group of leaders from the Lead Rural Fellowship visited the Ignite Technical Institute at Falfurrias High School to learn more about the RSIZ and take ideas back to their own communities.

Photos provided by the Rural Schools Innovation Zone

impact the rest of the district,” Gonzalez said. “We collaborated to make sure our decisions were in the best interest of the communities.”

From there, the three districts had additional funding from TEA’s School Action Fund, School Transformation Fund, School Redesign Fund, and CTE grants. With a leader in Gonzalez who understood the needs of all three rural districts, RSIZ began. The districts also use Teacher Incentive Allotment Cohort C and D to help with high quality staffing.

“You can see financial benefits, opportunities for students, and also for the adults. Now I can depend on someone helping us with Teacher Incentive Allotment and we can collaborate,” Casas said of her experience with including Brooks County ISD’s 1,200 students in the RSIZ. “The ROTC instructor was $90,000. I can’t afford that. We each can afford $30,000, $30,000, $30,000. And now our kids have an ROTC program.”

“One thing we know is that if you are part of a small school district, staffing is limited,” said Cantu. “We have somebody in Mr. Gonzalez who is constantly monitoring CCMR and certifications. It really helps us with accountability.” Students must apply to be part of the RSIZ, but there are no other requirements. These students become interchangeable and travel between the school districts, but each district keeps its ADA, said Gonzalez. “It’s a remarkable, innovative situation.”

Casas noted that collaboration requires a different attitude.

“The mindset is no longer ‘these are my students or your students.’ These are our students. What we model for the students is collaboration,” said Casas.

On the horizon

All three superintendents appreciate how the programming has not diminished district pride while also building relationships among the various high school students. “The rivalry between Premont and Freer is real,” said Cantu. “We played them for our homecoming. On Tuesday, they are playing a very intense basketball game, but on Wednesday they’re in class together.”

Gonzalez underscores how the academies reflect regional workforce needs and help their

Representatives from the RSIZ testify before members of the Texas Senate Education Committee.

students stand out to local employers. For example, RSIZ has a new welding academy building this year with 35 booths because the interest was so great among the area students.

“These programs build communities,” Barrera said. “We have 97% attendance for zone students. The students see the opportunity with this program.”

RSIZ’s first four-year cohort of 129 seniors graduated in May. Gonzalez would like to follow this group for the next two years. “How many will take these certifications and go get a job? The resources the zone provides stop at graduation. What’s next?”

The impact the partnership has had on their communities can’t be lauded enough by the superintendents. “There are also the soft values,” Casas said. “What we do for kids and what we do together for each other.”

Gonzalez wants to extend those benefits beyond graduation. Many of the students in the rural area don’t have the resources to travel to nearby employers and colleges.

“They are excited when they are with us,” he said. “What is the next step of the Rural Schools Innovation Zone to make sure that our kids attain maximum opportunities after they leave us?” He would like to find ways to extend transportation efforts and support students after they graduate.

The districts’ collaboration has done more than create five academies. “We have learned to lean on each other and

support each other,” Casas stressed. “This is a win-win. Win for the adults. Win for the students. Win for the community.”H

Beth Griesmer is a staff writer for Texas Lone Star

RSIZ Executive Director Michael Gonzalez and Premont ISD Superintendent Mike Barrera chat with Senator Hinojosa at the Capitol on the day of the senate hearing.

Representatives from all three districts joined RSIZ Executive Director Michael Gonzalez to celebrate receiving Teacher Incentive Allotment funds from TEA.

Photos provided by the Rural Schools Innovation Zone

THE RURAL SCHOOLS INNOVATION ZONE ACADEMIES

Brooks County ISD

Citizen’s Battalion Naval JROTC at Falfurrias High School in partnership with Texas A&M University Kingsville: Focus is on military science and preparation for college or military service as well as competition teams in color guard and marksmanship.

“With the JROTC program, we've traveled, and it's shown me all these other schools, all these other places, and what other people are doing. You can branch out to see what the world has to offer," said Dylan Valadez, a Premont Collegiate High School graduate.

Ignite Technical Institute Career at Falfurrias High School in partnership with Del Mar College and Texas A&M University Kingsville: Dual enrollment offered in welding, English, U.S. history, government, college algebra, speech, and art appreciation. Certifications and certificates include NCCER Core (construction certification), Electrical Apprenticeship Certificate 1, and several different types of Welding Fundamentals levels 1 and 2.

"I'm hoping to earn my associate’s degree in welding. Then, I plan to get a good job and go for my bachelor's degree in welding. Then, I want to go into business to get a business degree to begin my own welding company and later become an inspector," said Celeste Garcia, a Falfurrias High School student.

Freer ISD

The Next Generation Medical Academy is offered at Freer High School in partnership with Del Mar College, Texas A&M University Kingsville, and Texas A&M University International: College credits earned towards licensed vocational nurse or registered nurse. Certifications include EKG, Phlebotomy, Patient Care Technician, and Certified Medical Assistant.

"I would tell students to try the academies the RSIZ

offers. I never saw myself wanting to be an RN until I started at NGMA, and now that's what I want to do. I have my heart set on it,” said Karlee Hinojosa, a Freer High School graduate.

Premont ISD

Grow Your Own Educator Academy at Premont Collegiate High School in partnership with Coastal Bend College and Texas A&M University Kingsville: The program offers coursework in child development, project-based learning, and career preparation with hands-on experience in district classrooms. Certificates include Educational Aide 1, Principles of Education and Training, and Principles of Human Services.

The Premont Promise: Any RSIZ student who graduates from the Grow Your Own Educator Academy, completes their degree, and obtains their teacher license is guaranteed employment in Premont ISD.

“When I joined the program, it really opened up my eyes, and I was like wow, this is really interesting. This is something that I want to do when I graduate," said Corina Rivera, a Falfurrias High School student.

Will Zelaya STEM Discovery Zone at Premont Collegiate High School in partnership with Coastal Bend College, Del Mar College, Texas A&M University Kingsville, and Texas A&M University Corpus Christi: Dual enrollment offered in biology, chemistry, and physics. Coursework is in robotics, graphic information service, cybersecurity and drone technology as well as summer internships, and workplace connections.

"I've known I wanted to do engineering, but being in the STEM Academy has exposed me to the different kinds of engineering. I’ve gotten a feel for what to expect when I actually go out into the workforce since I've already done an internship with an engineering firm through RSIZ,” said Christina Dotson, a Premont Collegiate High School student.

*Source: Rural Schools Innovation Zone Annual Report 2021-22

Brooks CountyISD Falfurrias HighSchool

Brooks CountyISD Premont ISD P r e montColleg i ate High Sc h o o l

Free

ISD Freer High School

VISION

School board president works to include community

by Leslie Trahan

Each year, the Texas Association of School Administrators names five school boards across Texas as Honor Boards, recognizing them as the most distinguished school boards in the state. These boards are acclaimed for their unwavering focus on student outcomes, their commitment to community engagement, and their strong code of ethics. The 2022 Honor Boards were named in August, and the Outstanding School Board was announced at the TASA | TASB Convention last fall.

TASB has been proud to share insights and stories from the winner and finalists this year. In this issue, we feature our final installment, an interview with Richard Clem, president of the Goose Creek CISD board, a 2022 Honor Board. The district serves nearly 24,000 students in Baytown and Highlands in Southeast Texas. Clem shares his thoughts on what it means to be successful as a trustee, how to build connections with parents and community members, and what trustees can do to develop supportive board relationships.

Goose Creek

Q: Can you share a little about your history with Goose Creek CISD? How long have you been a board member, and what made you decide to run?

A: I began teaching in 1984 in Odessa (Ector County ISD), where I spent four years. Moving to Goose Creek CISD in the fall of 1988, I was hired as the assistant band director at Gentry Junior School. Two weeks later, I became the head band director, much to my surprise. After seven years at Gentry, I moved to Ross S. Sterling High School, where I spent the final 21 years of my teaching career, five years as the assistant director, and 16 years as the head director. I retired in June 2016, having spent 32 years in public education.

During the last half of my teaching career, I would frequently say I was going to run for the school board when I retired. My running for the board is truly a lesson in watching what you say as it may come back to haunt you! In February 2017, the local paper ran a short article noting filing [deadlines] for school board positions. Several friends and former colleagues called me that morning and asked if I was going to run. They all reminded me of what I had said, so I consulted with my wife and together we decided I would run. I wanted to continue to make a difference in our students’ lives, and being a board trustee was a perfect way to do this.

I am currently in my second four-year term, finishing my sixth year on the board and my second year as board president.

Q: What do you enjoy most about being on the Goose Creek CISD board?

A: I enjoy shaping the vision of our school district. It is daunting to know the decisions I am part of will be here long after I am gone.

At meetings, I always enjoy our student performances and all the recognitions we are able to do. Seeing the positive things

The Goose Creek CISD Board. Top, from left: Mercedes Renteria III, Assistant Secretary Helen Berrott-Tims, and Shae Cottar. Bottom, from left: Board President Richard Clem, Jessica Woods, Secretary Howard Sampson, and Vice President Tiffany Guy.

that happen daily and honoring those who are accomplishing them is always a highlight!

It has been a fulfilling experience for me as I know that our Goose Creek CISD board of trustees makes a positive impact on our 24,000+ students, our 3,000+ employees, and our entire Baytown/ Highlands community!

Q: How does the Goose Creek CISD board work to engage the community and develop buy-in?

A: When we have an issue with multiple sides, we make sure we’re giving everyone on either side of the issue plenty of time to decide. We do our best to find that middle ground where they can see what’s going on and understand what the plan is. Once they’ve had plenty of time to make their comments, we move forward from there.

I’ve always said that being on the school board is like herding turtles backward. We are going to get there; it’s just going to take us a while. So what if it takes an extra three or four weeks from what we planned? If we have the community involvement and the community buy-in that we need, then we’re in the right place.

We’ve also learned that doing things through committees is actually a good idea. We include parents and community members on our committees. They don’t always bring us the information we were expecting, but they always bring us food for thought that we need to know before we make an important decision.

Q: What is the most interesting thing you’ve learned from your work with parent committees?

A: What we’ve learned time and time again from committees is that what people perceive the business of school to be is often different from what the business of schools really is. Through these committees, people see that we don’t just wave a magic wand, that we don’t have an unlimited pile of money laying around. It really does take people to make the things you’re asking about happen. We show them — here’s the reality behind where your taxes go. It’s been eye-opening for most of the community.

We also strive to be as transparent as possible. The people who participate in our committees love it, and the people who don’t participate don’t realize how much we’re doing. All of my grocery store conversations always end with me saying, “Would you like to be involved in this process?” People are surprised

that I can make that offer. That’s about the only magic wand I have. I can find you a seat at the table if you really want one.

Q: Can you share a little about how Goose Creek CISD serves students and families through the district’s CTE program?

A: If you want school choice for your kids, you need to move to Goose Creek. We have 10 academies that are specialized and three campuses that are early learning academies. Our overflow academy for 4-year-olds is a dual language immersion with English and Spanish. We have six dual language academies and four STEAM academies. We built our early learning academies for 900 kids, and right before school started, we had 1,280 signed up. We also have career-oriented academies for high school students. Our programs range from medical to logistics to auto repair and veterinary care. Every one of those academies has an advisory board that includes parents, community members, board members, and of course, staff members and students. There’s no reason why a senior can’t graduate from Goose Creek with a high school diploma and a certification in the workforce or an associate’s degree. It’s available to all of them.

Q: How does the board decide what CTE programs to develop?

A: Most of these programs are community driven. We have students in the career tech academy who go to school all day and then go to work at our local Toyota dealership as mechanics. Our employers realize what good training the students receive, so they bring them in before anyone else can. Businesses are very supportive of our academies. Our students with health care training have jobs before they graduate from high school.

Q: What advice would you give to new board members?

A: Take the time to get to know your fellow board members. You don’t have to be buddies, but it doesn’t hurt to schedule dinners together and get to know a little about each other outside of the boardroom. Otherwise, you’re never going to develop that trust. People think trust means we agree on everything, and that’s not it at all. We can disagree frequently as long as we know where we’re all coming from. Even if we have a heated debate, we all shake hands and say goodbye to each other when we leave.H

Leslie Trahan is a staff writer for Texas Lone Star

Goose Creek CISD Superintendent Randal O’Brien poses with Board President Richard Clem and Amanda Kennington, Healthy Community Schools Coordinator (far left front row), along with the winners of the It’s Time Texas Challenge.

Goose Creek CISD Board President Richard Clem helps student shop at Walmart for the Goose Creek CISD Education Foundation’s “Brighten Your Day in a Giant Way” event.

Construction Projects

Procuring services from contractors

by TASB Legal Services

In last month’s Legal News column, TASB Legal Services answered basic questions about hiring an architect or engineer, typically one of the first steps in a construction project. In this article, we will review the basics of procuring construction services under Texas law.

Competitive procurement

Generally, school districts must purchase all goods and services, including construction services, valued at $50,000 or more in the aggregate for each 12-month period by using one of a list of permitted methods that the district determines will provide the best value for the district. Tex. Educ. Code § 44.031(a).

How does a district procure construction services?

Districts must procure construction services using a method in Texas Government Code chapter 2269 or an interlocal contract, depending on which method will provide the best value to the district. Tex. Educ. Code § 44.031(a)(4)-(5). Most districts delegate the best value determination to the superintendent. See TASB Policy CV(LOCAL). The superintendent recommends a procurement method to the board, which then makes the final decision as to what method to use.

A best value determination is not required if the district uses the competitive bidding procurement method. If the district does not use competitive bidding, it must compare the other available contracting methods and select the method that provides the best value for the district. Tex. Gov’t Code § 2269.056(a). The term “best value” means more than simply the lowest price. When comparing contracting methods, a district might

also assign value to other criteria, such as the speed of delivery and completion of the project or whether the use of district resources or personnel will be required.

The Texas attorney general has stated that a school district “should establish, by rule, its own procedure and criteria to determine the purchasing method that will provide the best value in a particular instance.” Tex. Att’y Gen. Op. No. JC-0037, at 4 (1999). Districts can establish rules in administrative regulations or purchasing procedures to assist in this determination.

The board must determine best value unless it has delegated that authority to an individual or committee. Tex. Gov’t Code §§ 2269.053(a), .056(a). If the board delegates such authority, it must provide notice of that delegation, the limits of the delegation, and the name or title of each person to whom authority is delegated

“by rule or in the request for bids, proposals, or qualifications or in an addendum to the request.” Tex. Gov’t Code § 2269.053(b).

What methods of procurement are available for construction contracts?

The contracting methods provided by Texas Government Code chapter 2269 include competitive bidding, competitive sealed proposals, construction manageragent, construction manager-at-risk, design-build, and job order contracts. The statutes related to each method address to what extent an architect or engineer is required for the project.

For example, a district that uses competitive bidding or competitive sealed proposals must have an architect or engineer prepare the construction documents required for the project. Tex. Gov’t Code §§ 2269.102, .152.

For projects using a construction manager-agent or construction managerat-risk, a district must select or designate an architect or engineer to prepare the construction documents before the selection of the construction manager. Tex. Gov’t Code §§ 2269.205(a), .252(a). For construction manager-agent, the architect or engineer may not serve as the construction manager unless hired separately to serve in that capacity. Tex. Gov’t Code § 2269.205(b). For construction manager-at-risk, the architect or engineer, or related entity, may not serve as the construction manager-at-risk. Tex. Gov’t Code § 2269.252(b).

A design-build firm is a company that includes an architect or engineer as well as a construction contractor. Tex. Gov’t Code § 2269.304. If the district hires a design-build firm, the district must still have an independent architect or engineer to act as the district’s representative for the duration of the project. Tex. Gov’t Code § 2269.305.

A job order contract is used for minor construction, remediation, or repair of a facility when the work is of a recurring nature, but the delivery times, type, and quantities of the required work are indefinite. Tex. Gov’t Code § 2269.401. If a job order project requires architectural or engineering services, the district must have an architect or engineer prepare the construction documents. Tex. Gov’t Code § 2269.408(a). An exception applies for work performed on portable buildings, as long as the contractor employs the services of an architect or engineer who approves the documents for the project. Tex. Gov’t Code § 2269.408(b).

Interlocal contracts

Items such as roofing systems, HVAC

units, gym floors, and modular buildings can often be found for sale by a purchasing cooperative, a type of interlocal contract. Certainly, these are construction-related items if the installation of these items involves construction, rehabilitation, alteration, or repair of a facility.

The Interlocal Cooperation Act addresses when school districts can purchase construction-related goods and services through purchasing cooperatives. A district may not enter into a contract to purchase construction-related goods or services through a purchasing cooperative in an amount greater than $50,000 unless a person designated by the district certifies in writing that (1) the project does not require the preparation of plans and specifications by an architect or engineer, or (2) required plans and specifications have been prepared by an architect or engineer in accordance with state law. Tex. Gov’t Code § 791.011(j).

Conclusion

Construction law is complicated. As good stewards of district funds and facilities, school officials should consult

legal counsel before signing any construction-related contract, regardless of the method of procurement, and should modify a contractor’s standard contract (as well as architect’s and engineer’s contracts) to ensure compliance with Texas laws and school district needs.

This guidance is continually updated at tasb.org. Go to the Services tab, click on the Legal section, and then go to TASB School Law eSource section. Next, click on the Business section, then click on the Facilities and Construction section, and scroll down to “A Legal Overview of School District Construction.”H

This article is provided for educational purposes and contains information to facilitate a general understanding of the law. References to judicial or other official proceedings are intended to be a fair and impartial account of public records, which may contain allegations that are not true. This publication is not an exhaustive treatment of the law, nor is it intended to substitute for the advice of an attorney. Consult your own attorney to apply these legal principles to specific fact situations.

We can’t wait to see you at SLI!

Advocacy

Efforts

Trustees inform lawmakers about education issues

by Dax González

Editor’s Note: The June Capitol Watch column was written before the Texas Legislature’s regular session adjourned, so this article does not include specific outcomes on proposals of interest to Texas school board members.

As I write this column in late April, the Texas Legislature remains in session, and TASB’s Governmental Relations team continues to educate and inform state lawmakers about the issues important to Texas school board members and the students they serve.

This session, TASB’s GR team received some important help in its efforts to advocate for public schools. Big kudos go out to the almost 60 trustees who came to Austin on April 11 to advocate for their local public schools and all Texas students. They and the many other trustees who have ventured up to the Capitol over the course of the legislative session have had a significant impact just by being seen in Austin by their local legislators.

Many trustees also testified on various bills throughout the session, demonstrating their passion for their communities and a deep understanding of a wide array of complex education issues. I had the pleasure of escorting a group of Central Texas trustees who represent very different subsets of school districts — large urban, fast-growing suburban, and small rural. While they all have their different strengths and challenges, they were able to share how some issues equally impact them and other districts across the state.

During the legislative session, trustees and other supporters of public education sent tens of thousands of emails and made phone calls to legislators advocating

on behalf of Texas public schools. These actions helped legislators understand what is important to public school students, their families, their teachers, and their communities.

I will be talking to all of you about how the session panned out — either at one of TASB’s Post-Legislative Conferences, held at Summer Leadership Institute in San Antonio and Fort Worth; during a TASB Governmental Relations session over the next year, or in a hallway between other sessions at some conference or another.

Summer Leadership Institute

Speaking of TASB’s Post-Legislative Conferences, if you haven’t registered to attend one, do so today! You’ll have the opportunity to hear about the significant — and sometimes not-so-significant — legislation that lawmakers passed during

the regular session. TASB staff will walk through some of the inner workings of the Legislature, what led to the passage of certain bills, and how bills that were approved will impact public schools An added bonus may be that we’re in a special session and the recap may also include a status update. Registration for these conferences is available during the registration process for SLI. Go to tasb.org, hover over the “Training” tab, then click on “Events,” and scroll down to the Summer Leadership Institute link.

Call for resolutions

I also want to remind schools boards that there is still some time to submit proposals for Resolutions to the TASB Board for recommendation to the TASB Delegate Assembly. Deadline is June 15. Make sure your school board’s advocacy issues are represented in the next TASB Advocacy Agenda by submitting your proposals before the deadline. TASB’s current Advocacy Agenda remains in effect through the Delegate Assembly in 2024.

You can review the current TASB Advocacy Agenda Resolutions and more information by going to tasb.org, hovering over the “Legislative” tab, and then clicking on “Advocacy Agenda.”

I look forward to meeting with you all later this year.★

Dax González is division director of TASB Governmental Relations.

School board members and administrators gather in Austin on Feb. 21 for a legislative conference hosted by TASB and the Texas Association of School Administrators.

Photo by TASB Media Services

Teacher Retention

Tips for keeping district staff members

by Jennifer Barton and Nicolle Gee-Guzman

The nation’s “Great Resignation” ignited a trend of employees seeking new career paths, and education is no exception. To create the best learning environment for students, school districts must be strategic in retaining their best employees as the staffing crisis in education lingers.

Understanding the issues

According to the Texas Education Agency, 12% of teachers left their profession in the 2021-22 school year, compared to 9% the prior year. In a 2022 survey commissioned by the Charles Butt Foundation on teacher satisfaction in Texas, 77% of respondents considered leaving by the end of that school year. Of those respondents, 93% had already taken steps to leave, and others were in the process of exploring options.

Those in education tend to have similar motives for leaving the field. The Foundation found the four top reasons for educator dissatisfaction included low pay, lack of respect, excessive workloads, and pandemic school disruptions.

Gone are the times when working in education was difficult but manageable. Today, teachers and other school staff are facing challenges beyond their control, and many are leaving in hopes of finding better opportunities in other professions.

The importance of retention

Employee retention directly affects the business performance and success of an organization, and it is a top challenge for most human resources departments. Additionally, the costs associated with high turnover and replacing talented employees impacts the bottom line.

Retention begins the moment an

employee is hired, and it continues with the employee through their organizational journey. School entities can support strong employee retention by developing a strategic process that assesses and addresses retention efforts in a systematic way.

Steps to address employee retention should include:

• Identification of the reasons why former employees left the organization

• Understanding the connection between employees leaving and the organization’s deeper issues

• Gathering supporting data to understand the issues better

• Capitalizing on available opportunities to mitigate employee turnover

• Improving processes to retain talent within the organization

Designing a systematic approach will help the organization retain its best talent while decreasing the turnover rate over time.

The power of metrics

The first step to strengthen employee retention is to measure overall employee satisfaction. This is done through the collection and evaluation of relevant data directly related to employee opinions about the organization. Metrics are powerful because they can help organizational leaders better understand current challenges in employee retention and help inform leaders of culture and climate issues and concerns directly related to management.

When choosing a focus area for data collection, historical turnover and annual retention should be a starting point.

Additional focus areas include employee satisfaction, employee engagement, absenteeism, and any other critical area identified through data analysis. Often, school leaders hear whispers of worry or distress from employees but struggle to find concrete evidence identifying areas of dissatisfaction. Tracking metrics can help eliminate assumptions and provide focus areas to incorporate into district goals for managing human capital.

Metric tools

To gather data, it’s beneficial for organizations to use objective measurement tools, but there are times when informal interviews are helpful. While there are a variety of options organizations can select from to evaluate employee satisfaction, two specific tools can provide a wealth of information to leaders.

Satisfaction surveys: Employee satisfaction surveys can help pinpoint specific areas of employee concern. This survey allows the employee to provide feedback about their job and current working conditions. It can also help determine levels of employee stress,

anxiety, and burnout, as well as specific workplace stressors leading to dissatisfaction. Employees can use the survey to rate the job and organization in a variety of ways. Using a survey communicates to employees that top leaders value their input and voice.

Stay interviews: Stay interviews are an opportunity for an informal discussion between the leader and employee to assess job satisfaction. Through conversation, the employee helps the leader identify areas of organizational strength and growth. Stay interviews are powerful because they help build trust with current employees and provide a way for the employee to communicate thoughts, feelings, and relevant information related to the organization. It is important to note that stay interviews should be conducted with current employees only — not those leaving the organization.

One other important metric is identifying the signs of when employees are intending to leave the organization. Behaviors such as decreased initiative and productivity, a shift in attitude, lack of commitment, and dwindling enthusiasm are signs that an employee is dissatisfied.

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If school leaders can recognize these datapoints quickly, action can be taken swiftly and proactively to enact positive change.

The best way to determine an employee’s commitment and outlook on the organization is to find out their motivation to stay. By soliciting employees’ opinions through usable data sources, organizational leaders can bypass assumptions and take meaningful action to address employee retention in the organization.

The retention plan

Once employee satisfaction data is collected and assessed, the organization can use the information to develop an employee retention plan. Through a collaborative process with identified stakeholders, leaders can garner input and direction for the plan, which will ultimately become the overarching tool the organization will use to systematically address retention issues.

The retention plan should include a few key components, and there should be a clear understanding of who will be responsible for the plan. Key components include:

• Prioritized initiative areas

• Goals and objectives

• Strategies

• Resources

• Timelines

Once the retention plan is finalized, the organization can then frame the process for implementation. This systematic process of developing a retention plan will help organizations address retention and improve the organization over time.

Next steps

All organizations have talented employees who are committed to the work, but keeping these employees is a challenge in the current work environment. By developing long-range plans to address employee retention and satisfaction, school entities will improve their education work force, which will ultimately benefit all students in their schools.H

Jennifer Barton and Nicolle Gee-Guzman are HR and compensation consultants for TASB HR Services.

MAKING AN EVERYDAY IMPACT

Through specialized schools; Head Start early childhood education; afterschool programs; school-based therapy services; and a scholastic art and writing awards program, HCDE makes a BIG impact on Harris County communities.

See the Impact at HCDE-TEXAS.ORG/IMPACT

Leadership TASB

Class learns about school life on the border

by Megan Parsons

LEADERSHIP TASB

Editor’s note: Leadership TASB is a unique board development program designed to take experienced board members to a new level of service and leadership by introducing them to a variety of issues, people, activities, and locations. These columns are written by class members and track the group’s progress.

Our Leadership TASB class traveled this spring to El Paso, where we toured schools, visited the Mexican consulate, and learned about the different challenges confronting school districts along the border.

Public school districts in the El Paso area, Education Service Center Region 19, are isolated from the rest of Texas and must depend on each other to educate and care for their kids. The year-round districts in the region offer a range of programs and activities.

School leaders and students face many challenges, including economic disadvantages and issues related to health care, mental health, and funding. However, everywhere we looked, we saw students achieving and thriving in public schools. Our trip gave us the opportunity to learn how fellow board members and other school leaders help their students succeed.

On the first day of our late-April trip, we traveled to San Elizario, a community on the outskirts of the sprawling city of El Paso. Our bus followed the Rio Grande, and we passed cotton fields and pecan farms on the way to San Elizario ISD, which has 3,200 students.

At San Elizario High School, we entered through its “Pathway of Cham-

pions,” an outdoor walkway that honors the district’s many accomplishments. The high school band played, cheerleaders performed, and administration officials greeted us with hugs and handshakes. The school leaders there were some of the most welcoming and friendly people I have ever met.

The theme throughout our visit to the district was board and superintendent relations. After our arrival, we went to the library, where every table was decorated with school colors and trophies. We enjoyed a delicious and authentic breakfast complete with homemade tortillas.

We listened to a panel made up of board members and the superintendent talking about how they work on board relations in their district. We then toured the school’s CTE facilities, which offer 12 different programs at the high school, including automotive tech, construction, culinary (complete with a restaurant), biomedical, and cosmetology.

They were proud of their graphic design program, which has equipment unlike any other school in the El Paso area.

San Elizario ISD recently voted to switch to a four-day school week, a change that has prompted a flurry of teacher applications. District leaders believe that nothing should keep their students from being successful, and they have created a culture of achievement for them.

Following our informative and memorable visit to the high school, we toured the community. We drove through one of the new developments, which had the Texas-Mexico border fence as a backdrop.

We then headed to the downtown area, where we did a walking tour of Los Portales Museum, the Presidio Chapel, and the old El Paso County Jail. Legend has it Billy the Kid broke into the jail to rescue a friend, locked up the guards, and threw away the key!

San Elizario is a beautiful, laid-back town with a friendly atmosphere. LTASB

San Elizario High School band members, cheerleaders, and dance students welcome LTASB members to the school by escorting the class down the school’s “Pathway of Champions.”

LTASB members gather in front of Ysleta ISD’s Alicia R. Chacon International School. On the far left is Cruz A. Ochoa, Ysleta ISD school board president.

Photos by Nicole Green, TASB staff

class members thoroughly enjoyed our time there.

We headed back to San Elizario ISD’s administration offices, where staff made us feel like we had stepped into an authentic Mexican restaurant. We were served enchiladas, rice and beans, and flan for dessert. Our dining entertainment included a ballet folklorico performance by talented elementary school students.

On our way back to El Paso, we visited the Mexican consulate, where we learned about the different ways that staff members help the Mexican people. Thousands of children who are United States citizens but live in Mexico cross the border on weekdays to attend school. These families receive help from the consulate to navigate the challenges that arise from this binational living arrangement.

On the second day, we visited Ysleta ISD. With a student population of more than 36,000, the A-rated district is one of the three largest districts in the El Paso area.

We received a warm welcome at Riverside Elementary School. One of the programs highlighted on the tour of that campus was robotics. The kids showed us their robots, how they worked, and talked to us about their preparations for an upcoming international competition in Dallas.

Next, we went to Alicia R. Chacon International School, a K-8 dual language arts magnet school. Students learn in English and Spanish, and each selects a third language — either Chinese, German, Japanese, Russian, or French. Students also participate in cultural activities related to the third language, from karate to ballet. This school uses a lottery system for enrollment, and the spots are coveted by students and their families.

Finally, we visited the district’s Eastview High School, a state-of-the-art facility. Its gym was spacious and beautiful, outfitted with cameras using artificial intelligence to livestream games being

played in the gym as well as on the football field. The students we met were so professional — it was hard to believe they were only juniors.

We toured the school’s EPAN program, its version of ESPN, and its TV broadcasting program KEHS. Nearly half of the teachers there graduated from Eastview High School, went to college, and then returned to teach. The culture and traditions run deep in this district, and they take pride in everything they do.

It was inspiring to see what school leaders and staff accomplish for their kids each day. Every session in this program has been amazing, but the trip to El Paso was, for me, one of the best sessions. It was truly unforgettable, and I am a better person and board member for this experience.H

LTASB members listen in on a class at Ysleta ISD’s Alicia R. Chacon International School.

At a lunch at San Elizario ISD’s administration offices, LTASB members enjoy a ballet folklorico performance by students from Josefa L. Sambrano Elementary School.

The LTASB class’s trip to San Elizario, a community on the outskirts of El Paso, included a tour of Los Portales Museum.

LTASB members listen to school leaders at Ysleta ISD’s Riverside Elementary School.

Megan Parsons, a Liberty Hill ISD trustee, is a member of the Leadership TASB class of 2022-23.

Productive Conference

District staff network and learn at TASB event

by Beth Griesmer

Nearly 70 people from school districts and regional education service centers across the state gathered for the 2022-23 TASB Conference for Administrative Professionals at TASB headquarters in April after the conference was rescheduled because of an ice storm in February.

The conference, held April 13-14, included training on board meeting rules, district public relations, Policy Online® upgrades, service record management, and other important topics that affect school district personnel.

For Melissa Jordan, who is new to her position as administrative assistant to the superintendent at Devers ISD, everything she learned at the conference was a little overwhelming as she came to a greater understanding of things she needs to be doing and isn’t — yet. Jordan, who wears a lot of hats in her small district located between Houston and Beaumont, almost cancelled her registration because her to-do list was so long. She’s glad she didn’t. “I am truly grateful for the conference and all the helpful information I’m taking back to my district.”

The conference is also a time to meet new people and catch up with old friends. Kathy Jackson, Bowie ISD’s administrative assistant to the superintendent, attends the event every year and looks forward to meeting with conference friend Rhonda Culver from S&S CISD. “We met at this conference years ago and spend time catching up about work and family every year. We both look forward to it,” said Culver, the superintendent’s administrative assistant in her district.

TASB Interim Communications and Marketing Officer

Joan Randall said while the event provides training and development opportunities, it is also a great time for exchanging

ideas and sharing stories about the challenges of the job. “I love to see when conversations around the room spark that look of understanding,” said Randall. “I think it is really helpful to share time with other professionals who understand just how immense their jobs are every day.”

The conference is presented two times a year — in October and February. Both events offer the same sessions to allow attendees to choose the dates that work best for them. The 2023-24 session dates are Oct. 26-27, 2023 and Feb. 8-9, 2024.

Look for more information on the 2023-24 conference, including registration details, in August.H

Beth Griesmer is a staff writer for Texas Lone Star.

Preceding page: Throughout the two-day conference, participants had many opportunities to network and ask questions.

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This page, top left: TASB's Joan Randall leads a panel with Lockhart Superintendent Mark Estrada and Pflugerville Superintendent Doug Killian. Top right: Tiffany Dunne-Oldfield, TASB deputy executive director, discusses public relations in a session on the first day of the conference. Bottom right, stickers for all attendees.

Photos by TASB Media Services

by Carolyn Austin

Districts that use the Model Student Handbook (MSHB) can be confident they are receiving updated information reviewed by legal and policy experts to develop their student handbooks. This year, the updated MSHB will be issued in July to ensure that the updates reflect changes required by the 88th legislative session, and to give districts time to review those changes and align them with their own district practices ahead of the new school year.

“We review and revise the Model Student Handbook every year to keep up with changes in legal requirements,” said Kristi Clark, TASB’s Policy Service division director. “Those changes may come from new federal or state laws, requirements from regulatory agencies like the Texas

Education Agency, court decisions, or other legal sources.”

Parents are vital partners when it comes to education. The MSHB is one of the best ways school districts can keep parents informed and updated. This comprehensive document covers everything from attendance to withdrawing from school and is designed to help districts meet legal requirements to notify parents of many of their rights regarding their students’ education. At last count, the MSHB fulfilled notification requirements on 47 topics.

“The Model Student Handbook is an excellent resource for parents,” said Clark. “It highlights how central parental rights are to school district practices.”

The MSHB helps communicate

essential information to students and parents for the current school year. District administrators may download and customize the model text and publish student handbooks to align with district practices and help districts stay compliant with law.

“We encourage districts to review all of the updates from Policy Service and to customize the handbook in the way that best serves the local community,” Clark said. “For parents, there is no better resource than the handbook in understanding the policies of their district, including important parental rights.”H

Carolyn Austin is a policy consultant for TASB’s Policy Service.

Summer Leadership Institute

TASB conference offers trending topics, foundational programming

by Sylvia Wood

Attendees at TASB’s annual Summer Leadership Institute will benefit from a variety of learning tracks designed specifically for new trustees, new board officers, and veteran trustees. This year’s conference also will include timely sessions on school safety, trends in artificial intelligence, and legislative updates.

The four-day event, held in both San Antonio and Fort Worth later this month, will officially launch Texas Trustee Institute, a program created by TASB’s Board Development Services to help new school board members be successful in their roles. The training includes both preconference and regular sessions on topics such as board operations procedures, school law, district policy basics, and the Texas Open Meetings Act.

For more experienced trustees, TASB is offering the new Board Officer Institute, which will offer specialized professional development geared toward successfully navigating school board leadership roles and providing excellent governance to help advance student achievement outcomes.

“We’re excited about kicking off the Texas Trustee Institute and the Board Officer Institute at SLI because we know that after the May elections, this is the perfect time to help both new and experienced trustees get a strong start, whether they are new to the board or new to a leadership role,” said Robert Long III, division director of Board Development Services. “Not to mention that there’s also a whole line-up of great sessions relevant to any trustee who wants to expand their understanding of their role, pick up tips and strategies to take back to their districts, and earn valuable continuing education credit.”

Focused programming

Programming for SLI is a collaborative effort each year among TASB, its members, and other K-12 public education experts, who submit proposals for

consideration. This year’s SLI features presentations from several school boards from across the state on timely topics, from developing a collaborative culture to evaluating superintendents to effectively engaging with parents. Other sessions include prioritizing cybersecurity, monitoring data for better student performance, and addressing staffing shortages.

The event sponsors include E3, Claycomb Associates, Architects, and Walsh Gallegos Treviño Kyle and Robinson P.C.

“We are really pleased with all the proposals submitted this year and have a great program, thanks to the contributions from our members, who bring so many great ideas and best practices to share,” said Kathy Dundee, TASB director of Conference and Event Planning. “Whether participants go to SLI in San Antonio or Fort Worth, they’ll have the same opportunity to access high-quality, relevant training, and make connections with other trustees from across the state.”

A cornerstone event

Carolyn Booker, a longtime trustee for Westwood ISD in East Texas, has attended SLI in San Antonio for 28 years, and plans to be there again later this month.

“This program has been the cornerstone of my professional development as a school trustee,” she said. “SLI is not just a conference; it is a learning laboratory that offers me the opportunity to create

my own learning journey and ask bold questions.”

The opportunity to have conversations with other school board members from all corners of the state is one of the most valuable experiences for Paul Mostella, a trustee at Tuloso-Midway ISD near Corpus Christi. He’s consistently attended SLI since 1998, his first year on the board — only missing the conference twice since then.

“Every SLI has been a great experience,” he said.

For those interested in attending SLI, walk-up registration is open through the start of each event. Trustees can choose the location and dates most convenient for them. SLI in San Antonio will be held June 14–17 and SLI in Fort Worth will take place June 21–24.

Hubbard ISD Board President Larry Hawthorne has been attending SLI for more than 25 years and says the event always serves to “increase educational focus and revive energy to strengthen education in our respective districts.”

“The knowledge gained at SLI encourages and motivates each of us to make positive changes for our teachers, students, and administrators,” he added.

Learn more about the agenda, keynote speakers, registration, and housing by visiting tasb.org/sli H

Sylvia Wood is a staff writer for Texas Lone Star.

SHARS Conference

School professionals gather in Austin for TASB event

by Jen Cox

Education professionals from across the state attended last month’s SHARS Conference, giving them the chance to discuss updates and best practices with their peers and other program experts.

Held May 4-5 and hosted by TASB Special Education Solutions, attendees could attend the conference in person or virtually, marking the first year for a hybrid event. A key focus for the event was the future of School Health and Related Services (SHARS)/Medicaid billing.

The conference kicked off the first day with small group sessions covering topics such as billing, individualized education programs, full individual evaluations, strategies for obtaining parental consent, and juggling prescriptions and referrals. Attendees were also treated to fun SHARS trivia and games throughout the day. TASB experts also offered help navigating the SMART Solutions™ software. A special networking dinner rounded out the day.

The second day featured guest speakers Jenny Millward, executive director of the National Alliance for Medicaid in Education; Karlyn Keller, division director for TASB Special Education and Student Solutions; and K.C. Mack, who added some humor to the subject of teaching.

Mack is a Texas-based special education teacher, screenwriter, and professional comedian featured on Bored Teachers and the Teachers Only Comedy Tour.

The day included a presentation from SHARS expert Angela L.B. Foote, state and federal government program specialist at the Texas Education Agency, who offered tips and reminders to support local education agencies as they review local

SHARS guidelines and procedures. Attendees were encouraged to save the date for the 30th SHARS Conference May 2-3, 2024.

Interested in learning more about a SHARS membership? Call the team at 888-630-6606 or visit tasb.org/services/ special-education-solutions

Jen Cox is a staff writer for Texas Lone Star

At the two-day SHARS Conference in Austin, attendees listened to special speakers, attended breakout sessions, participated in fun activities, and networked with other professionals. The second day featured guest speaker Jenny Millward (photo on preceding page, bottom right), executive director of the National Alliance for Medicaid in Education. Members of TASB’s Special Education and Student Solutions teams dressed up as circus ringmasters to close the conference, which was called “The Greatest SHARS on Earth!” (Photo on this page, lower left.)

It’s a great time to review rising rates.

With investment rates on the rise, now is a great time to review your investment options. Contact our team for a one-on-one chat about your investment options and how Lone Star can help your district achieve its financial goals.

Large amounts or small, Lone Star invests it all.

Photos by TASB Media Services

Bulletin Board

Hundreds Submit Applications for Houston ISD Board of Managers

The Texas Education Agency announced that 374 people submitted applications for the Houston ISD Board of Managers.

TEA said it is looking for Houstonians with a wide array of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. The agency plans to appoint the board of managers this month.

“I am looking for Houstonians with wisdom and integrity who can be laserfocused on what is best for students,” said Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath. “It is exciting to see so many Houstonians express a willingness to help move the school system forward in service of students.”

Applications came from Houstonians of all backgrounds.

• 374 total applications

• 345 total applications within Houston ISD boundaries

• 232 applications from parents of current/former Houston ISD students

• 136 applications from individuals who previously attended a Houston ISD school

• 238 applications from individuals who worked as a teacher and/or for a school system

The vetting process for board of managers candidates has moved into the next phase — preliminary applicant screening. This process includes detailed applicant reviews, community reference checks, background checks, trainings, and interviews.

Call for submissions to District Voices!

We want to hear more about what is going on in local school districts around Texas and invite you to send us submissions for our new, occasional feature, District Voices. Do you have an interesting program to discuss? Lessons learned as a school board member? For submissions or questions, contact managing editor Laura Tolley at laura.tolley@tasb.org. We look forward to hearing from you and your district!

TEA Launches Help Desk for Curriculum Division

To better serve its constituents, the Texas Education Agency’s Curriculum Standards and Student Support Division has recently launched its own request link on the TEA Help Desk. The new ticketing system will allow staff in the Curriculum Division to more quickly receive and respond to inquiries.

To submit an inquiry or a request for assistance to the Curriculum Division, go to helpdesk.tea.texas.gov and select the Curriculum tile. Use the “Curriculum Request Form” to submit your contact information and the details of your inquiry. Be sure to bookmark the Curriculum Division’s Help Desk link to submit questions.

We want to recognize school board members’ extraordinary work in TLS!

If you have received any awards or honors, please send your news and photos to tls@tasb.org.

TASB's Student Video Contest Winners Awarded Prize Money

The winning school districts of the biennial TASB Student Video Contest were awarded their prize money during their April board meetings. A prize of $5,000 was awarded to Socorro ISD, large district; Bullard ISD, medium district; and Forsan ISD, small district. Texas school districts were asked to create a one-minute promotional video for their schools with students as the stars. The videos focus on what makes public schools the best choice while highlighting the success of individual school districts.

Watch the winning videos at tasb. org/studentvideo

The Socorro ISD public relations department was honored at the district’s April board meeting for winning the large school district category in the Student Video Contest. The team was also celebrating winning 34 awards from the Texas School Public Relations Association. Socorro ISD Board Member and TASB Director Cynthia Najera acted as the TASB representative.

TASB Director Tony Raymond (second from left), a Sabine ISD trustee, presents Bullard ISD staff and students with their prize money for winning the medium school district category in the Student Video Contest. Students in Stephen Monahan’s A/V Production class created the video.

On left, TASB Director Steve Brown, an Ector County ISD trustee, presents Forsan ISD staff and students with their prize money for winning the small school district category in the Student Video Contest. Students in Tommy Thompson’s audio/video class wrote, filmed, and edited the video.

“Education is the movement from darkness to light.”

—Allan Bloom

Team of Eight

Working together can move mountains

by Tiffany Dunne-Oldfield

Among the many points of debate these days on school boards is what an effective team of eight relationship should look like or whether such a relationship should exist at all.

In the two school districts where I worked prior to joining TASB, the school boards I served had distinctly different approaches to how they worked with their superintendents and how they debated and discussed important agenda items in the boardroom. In both settings, I saw firsthand the impact on school communities when a district is working as a high-functioning team and when it is not.

Unfortunately, in today’s divided political environment, there is a growing movement to “cancel” the idea that trustees on a school board should strive to work together in their governance role while also working alongside their district’s superintendent. The argument from the folks trying to “cancel” the team of eight concept is that it can lead to groupthink and rubber-stamping, which can undermine good governance and shortchange students.

But here’s the deal: team-of-eight work — when done well — is the antidote to groupthink and weak governance. In fact, strong teams of eight can move mountains for students and families.

Team of eight and healthy debate

We’ve all been there. Think about the last time you sat in a meeting, and an idea or project was presented that you didn’t think was a good one. Did you speak up or did you just go along with the majority? When there’s reluctance to challenge an idea or ask questions for fear that you’ll

disrupt the harmony of the group, or that it might cause others to view you negatively, that’s indeed groupthink. And it can threaten a board’s ability to make good decisions and achieve shared goals.

Likewise, threats to good governance abound when conversations in the board room are never able to move beyond debate and discussion, or when there is a split vote and board members who opposed the item don’t respect the outcome.

By design, team of eight training and practices help mitigate these outcomes. Built around the idea that differences of opinion can strengthen decision making, quality team-of-eight training provides school boards with tools for working across differences — helping the board navigate through contentious, divisive issues by staying focused on their agreed to shared vision for their community’s schools.

Team of eight and the body corporate

One of the privileges of working at TASB is the opportunity to sit in on school board meetings across the state. Through this work, I’ve observed a growing misunderstanding about the concept of body corporate, which is concerning.

That’s because in Texas, the role of school board trustees is different from other public office holders, such as city council members, state legislators, or county commissioners. Once elected, a school board trustee serves on a body corporate, and the board’s “constituency” is the district itself, not a ZIP code or community within a district’s boundaries or a specific block of voters.

In other words, trustees are called upon to serve the needs of the district and its schoolchildren, as a whole — even in a

single-member district. To emphasize the legal requirement of working as a body corporate, three hours every year of team building, or team-of-eight training, is set forth among the continuing education requirements for trustees by the Texas Education Code, the Texas Administrative Code, and the Texas Government Code.

With 1,025 school districts in Texas, each team of eight relationship is unique to every school board and corresponding superintendent. There are absolutely no cookie-cutter templates for success either. Becoming an accomplished team of eight is hard work, and it’s one of the reasons we showcase those achievements when we write about outstanding boards and superintendents in this magazine. It’s also the reason we prioritize team-ofeight training at the annual TASA | TASB Convention.

This signature event is designed specifically for boards to attend with their superintendents. We know it’s not easy to get the entire team to this event, so for the past few years, we’ve recognized those districts for having 100% attendance in our annual report, published each December.

At last year’s Convention, there were 68 teams of eight in attendance, up from 59 in 2021. I’m hoping this year’s Convention might help us set a new record — and not just because Matthew McConaughey will be a general session speaker!H

Tiffany Dunne-Oldfield is deputy executive director of TASB.

Tiffany Dunne-Oldfield

Summer is a great time for a board retreat

Align your team of eight with a strategic retreat focused on:

• Collaborating for successful Board Self-Assessment

• Building consensus and team collaboration

• Defining priorities and creating a vision

• Planning a roadmap for success

Email board.dev@tasb.org for details on this valuable learning experience.

Expand your board officers’ leadership skills with remote coaching

Board Officer Institute: A Journey to Excellence:

• Understand the roles of board officers

• Strengthen your communication and leadership skills

• Benefit from one-on-one coaching from a governance expert

Learn more at tasb.org/new-board-officers

• Texas Trustee Institute at Summer Leadership Institute

• On-demand courses in the Online Learning Center

◆ Top 10 Things to Know course package

◆ Texas Open Meetings Act

◆ Child Abuse Prevention for Trustees

For more information, visit tasb.org/welcome

Five Reasons to Attend

Vote on the TASB Advocacy Agenda. Elect TASB’s leadership team for 2023-24.

Get a chance to win a $1,000 student scholarship!

Network with fellow trustees from your region.

Earn continuing education credit.

Student scholarships sponsored by

2023 Delegate Assembly Sept. 30 | Dallas

Learn how to register your delegate at delegate.tasb.org.